Compare the2024 Chevrolet TraverseVS 2024 Ford Explorer

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Traverse has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Rear Cross Traffic Braking, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Cross Traffic Braking costs extra on the Explorer.

Both the Traverse and the Explorer have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive, front parking sensors and driver alert monitors.

The Traverse’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Explorer’s (6 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in initial quality. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in long-term dependability. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Ford is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Chevrolet 2 places higher in reliability than Ford.

The Traverse’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 28 more horsepower (328 vs. 300) and 16 lbs.-ft. more torque (326 vs. 310) than the Explorer’s standard 2.3 turbo 4-cylinder.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Chevrolet Traverse uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Explorer requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Traverse offers optional 22-inch wheels. The Explorer’s largest wheels are only 21-inches.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Traverse’s wheelbase is 1.9 inches longer than on the Explorer (121 inches vs. 119.1 inches).

The Traverse uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Explorer doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The Traverse offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the Explorer can only carry 7.

The Traverse has 1.9 inches more front headroom, 1.3 inches more front legroom, .5 inches more front shoulder room, 2.5 inches more rear legroom, .3 inches more rear shoulder room, 7.7 inches more third row hip room and 3.1 inches more third row shoulder room than the Explorer.

The Traverse’s cargo area provides more volume than the Explorer.

Pressing a switch automatically lowers the Traverse RS’ second and third row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Explorer doesn’t offer automatic folding second row seats.

The Traverse’s standard front and rear power windows all lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Explorer’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open them fully.

The Traverse has standard Keyless Access that allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Only the Explorer XLT/Limited/ST-Line/Timberline/King Ranch/ST/Platinum offers Intelligent Access.

The Traverse’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Ford only offers heated mirrors on the Explorer XLT/Limited/ST-Line/Timberline/King Ranch/ST/Platinum.

The Traverse has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Explorer.